Indiana Farm Bureau’s annual state convention is only a couple months away, and every year breakout sessions top the list of why people attend. This year’s sessions cover a variety of topics, from production ag issues to the November elections, but helping farmers tackle immediate challenges is the underlying theme.

“Big and immediate decisions, like family healthcare, profitability of operation, or the ability to affect legislation that affects a farm’s bottom line, are what these sessions focus on,” said Chris Fenner, IFB’s field services director and this year’s convention breakout session chair. “It’s hands-on information that a person can take home and share with their farm partners or spouse to help make decisions for their operations.”

Friday, Dec. 7, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Understanding Fertilizer Use Regulations

Fred Whitford, Purdue Pesticide Programs, and Matt Pearson, Office of Indiana State Chemist, will provide an overview of fertilizer use regulations and how compliance with the rule will protect farmers from violating other laws and regulations.

Is Entrepreneurship for You?

Running your own business takes much more than having passion and the belief that you will fill a need in the marketplace. Instead of taking a shot in the dark, plan your moves carefully to reduce your risk of failing.

Who’s In, Who’s Out and Who’s Got Clout

Former Republican State Chairman Mike McDaniel and former Democrat State Chairman Robin Winston discuss the outcome of the November 2012 election and give their insights into the coming legislative sessions.

Friday, Dec. 7, from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Getting the Most from Crop Insurance Tools

A discussion on the 2012 drought and the importance of using Farm Bureau’s Growers Edge and Crop Pro website to calculate your 2012 crop insurance indemnities. Your crop claim questions regarding aflatoxin, large claim audits, and other crop claim issues will be answered at this breakout session.

County Government Budget Issues

Funding county government has been on a rollercoaster ride over the last few years. Learn what challenges your county officials face as they weigh which services get priority and which ones might face the chopping block. This session will also take a look at the dilemma of how to fund county roads and other infrastructure.

Cover Crops for Better Nutrient Recycling

Soil health and function is the key to soil productivity. Cover crops can play multiple roles - scavenging nitrogen, phosphorus availability, improving infiltration and increasing water holding capacity - which are necessary for better nutrient management and achieving maximum production in conservation cropping systems. This session will focus on strategies to select, establish and successfully manage cover crop species under common Midwest cropping systems.

Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 to 11 a.m.

USFRA and IFoF Update

Just over a year ago the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance was formed to start a conversation with America about the people and practices involved in today’s food production. USFRA general manager Hugh Whaley will share some of the organization’s activities and successes and take a look at what this national ag coalition has in store for 2013.

National Health Care Law

Are you wondering how changes to the national health care system will affect your farm and family as you make health care decisions? This session will feature a discussion of the national climate for America’s health care system and then drill down to Indiana’s response to the changes nationally.

Water in Indiana – Growth in Agriculture, Energy, Municipal and Industrial Use

The 2012 drought caught the public’s attention because it was accompanied by unusual high temperatures that wilted crops, reduced stream flow and increased water use. This session will cover the long-term changes in water use by each of the major water use sectors – namely agricultural, municipal, power and industrial consumption. This presentation will consider how the state’s resources can be managed to maximize our economic position in the nation.